The next few days continue in much the same way as the last few: plenty of cuddling, plenty of books, plenty to eat, only the occasional point of discomfort. Janet approves their plan to get her abuser removed from the institution, much relieved that she doesn't have to go herself. The doctor emails with the results of the electrocardiogram: Denice has a mild heart murmur; something to keep an eye on, but not requiring any treatment at the moment. (Her records from the institution mention nothing of the sort.)

She catches up on her math curriculum at a blazing speed, and starts working on basic programming on the side; sign language gets less attention, but not none, and she starts signing yes and no and please and thank you when they come up in conversation. French, she's much more secretive about, but in the evening after Jean goes to bed, she finds a little time for that, too.